Get in shape for summer with some yoga. (And get a $50 head start on gear.)

thAlthough the light is returning to Anchorage, summer is still quite some time off. That’s just as well, since I am sadly out of shape after far too many hours in front of the computer.

Maybe you’re as creakified as I am after a long winter. One possible answer: yoga. Yep, yoga, which provides gentle stretches of deskbound muscles and also de-stresses minds tied in knots about the tasks performed at those desks.

I took several yoga classes in Seattle and I really, really need to get back to it. Podcasts to start, maybe, and a class at the YMCA or some other Anchorage location.

Whoever wins this week’s giveaway can get a $50 head start on yoga gear, thanks to the Sports Authority. 

That retailer has donated a $50 gift card to call attention to its new Yoga Shop, a line of clothing and accessories for beginners all the way up to “the ultimate yogi.” These things look quite nice. Soybu Killer Caboose

For example, its Soybu line of yoga pants are lightweight and moisture-wicking, and come in styles you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in outside the yoga studio. 

These are nothing like my old yoga pants, which cost me $5 from Walgreens back in 2005. I changed out of as soon as the classes were over. Wouldn’t even wait for a bus in them. Yep, they’re pretty sad.

Bring your own mat (at least)

Q. How many yoga practitioners does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Only one, but she needs a block and a bolster and a strap and a blanket…

But seriously: Yoga doesn’t have to be an expensive form of exercise, but some basics are necessary. I’d recommend getting your own mat, for starters.

Gaiam Mats Blocks TowelsThe winner could also use that gift card toward blocks, towels or other items by Aneka and Gaiam. If you plan to work out at home (and you should), then the mat and blocks in particular will make your practice more effective.

Or consider sports bras, tank tops, and pants or capris so you can get  satisfying studio sessions without revealing too much of, um, your inner self.

Want to see more? Visit the Sports Authority’s yoga line.

Want to win the gift card? Enter up to five different ways:

To enter:

If you do any (or all!) of these things, please leave separate, additional comments to get credit for each entry.

The deadline is 7 p.m. PDT Tuesday, April 23. If I don’t hear back from the winner by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, I’ll pull another name.

Note: While the Sports Authority chain donated the gift card, this is not a sponsored post, i.e.,  I do not receive any payment for running it.

And: If yoga isn’t your thing, I hope you’ll do some kind of gradual strengthening and stretching before flinging yourself back into spring and summer activities. Don’t sit on your butt with a beer and bag of chips all winter and then, on the first nice day of the year, try to mow the lawn and trim the hedges and play pickup softball and bring the patio furniture down from the attic.

Or go ahead. Do all of that. After all, your chiropractor has kids to put through college.

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187 thoughts on “Get in shape for summer with some yoga. (And get a $50 head start on gear.)”

    • how timely! i would definitely enjoy a yoga gift card. i have been doing yoga for a couple of years & i have seen the improvements. i feel good after every class! it’s definitely worth trying!

      Reply
  1. My sister has done yoga for years and extoles its benefits all the time. She has been trying to get me to do it for ever. Maybe now that I am old and creaky, it is a good time to start.

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    • A close relative has severe scoliosis and has been doing yoga for several decades. When a new doctor got a look at her X-ray, he told her that most cases like this he’s seen can no longer walk. The relative practices yoga every morning and takes a class every week. If I were one-tenth as strong and flexible as her I’d feel accomplished.

      Reply
  2. Yoga is great but walking is my thing (I have issues w/ all my joints dislocating which makes yoga a bit interesting)but I often can be spotted wearing yoga gear. Would love to win a sports authority gift card.Thanks

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  3. This is great timing Donna. I just started doing a pilates DVD that I picked up from Goodwill. The hip pain has been reduced already. I’m encouraged and hopeful that I can stop going to the Pain Management Doc. Wanted some new workout clothes and a yoga dvd but it’s hard to spend money on “caring” for myself. Thanks for writing your articles. I read them on Facebook and they always seem to apply to my life.

    Reply
  4. Terrific article for Woman’s Day magazine (April), Donna!!! As I was reading your post here at S&T about your DF’s dad’s passing, I wondered if you’ve considered writing a few pieces for AARP’s magazine? Congratulations on your new freelance writing path. 🙂

    Reply
    • I haven’t seen the Woman’s Day issue yet, so I’ll take your word on how it turned out. As for AARP, it hasn’t been on my radar (although I did sell them one piece probably a dozen years ago) to look for more work, but certainly worth keeping in mind.
      Thanks for reminding me to go look for the magazine.

      Reply
  5. Knee surgery behind me and life is returning to normal which includes wearing yoga pants all weekend long even though I’m not going to yoga class yet. With cute wedge sandals and a fake tan! I live in California…

    I would love to win! I subscribe by email.

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    • Glad to hear that surgery is behind you. Seattleites wear a lot of yoga pants out in public, too. Anchorage residents, not so much.

      Reply
  6. Thanks Donna for another wonderful giveaway. I used to practice yoga all the time during college and got away from it. I’ve had some lower back pain so I just started up again with my Wii Fit and I also have a yoga dvd (bought used).

    I’d love to get some blocks or an extra pair of pants.

    Reply
  7. Perfect timing! It is starting to get nice here and PA and I just started thinking about what I can do to take off a few pounds. I have thought about yoga before. I was just browsing craigslist looking to possibly purchase a piece of someone else’s unwanted exercise equipment but then I have to wonder, where will I put it in my small home. Yoga might be a lot cheaper and items would take up a lot less space. I just have to get my mind and body in gear and try to stick to some sort of exercise plan along with healthier eating habits. Now that I am over 40, its not as easy to lose weight but I do realize the importance of being healthy, strength training, cardio and so on. I surely have to find something I enjoy so I have a better chance of sticking to it. Anyway, enough rambling, thanks for the giveaway and good luck to everyone planning to get healthier. Take care, Melissa

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  8. I could really use some de-creakifying and exercise! Maybe some cute new workout outfits and gear would be the motivation I need! I subscribe by email, and love your work! Thank you!

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  9. Although I’m about as flexible as a 2’x 4′, I am a yoga devotee and try to make it part of my weekly routine. Thanks for the extra wonderful giveaway!

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  10. A great give away! I had my 2nd a few months back, and am wondering if I will ever fit into my old clothes again. I do need to exercise a little!

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  11. I subscribe via Email and would love this card. I’m an avid Yoga lover and was just thinking it would be nice to have my own block and strap!

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  12. Hi Donna!

    My SIL is trying to get me into yoga–this would be a great starting point! Thanks for offering it.

    I’ve subscribed and am leaving an email.

    Regards,

    Nicole

    Reply
  13. Yoga in class is my “better” but if I have not been able to make it, yoga at home is the next best thing. It does help me feel better in so many ways.

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  14. Sports Authority is huge. I’d be able to find something. Count me in. And looking forward to your funny comments on your yoga classes.

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  15. Have been considering yoga for years. I carry so much tension in my neck and back, I’m sure that yoga would help with that. Maybe $50 in gear would give me the motivation to start. 🙂

    Reply

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